T.I. has been sentenced to a year and a day in jail for felony weapons charges stemming from an incident in 2007. The rapper (real name Clifford Harris) thanked U.S. prosecutors for their help to close this “chapter” in his life.
T.I.’s lawyers were able to strike a deal with prosecutors which meant the rapper would have to undertake a total of 1,500 hours of community service, pay a £71,640 fine and serve 366 days in jail for the crime. During his community service, T.I. went up and down the United States speaking to young children about his experiences and encouraging them not to make the same mistakes. While being sentenced, the District Court Judge Charles Pannell Jr. said the rapper had exceeded the court’s expectations and hoped that it would inspire others to follow.
After Friday’s hearing, T.I. told reporters,
“It brings me great pleasure and honor to say to you today that I have begun to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the U.S. attorneys and the courts of the U.S. government. I would like to thank all who have helped me throughout my journeys, along my journey, including my attorneys, all of the foundations and all of the organisations who have helped me align myself with people who see to it that I seek out my wishes and intentions to the best of my ability”
He added, “Although I am not thrilled about my next year and a day, I am pleased that I am beginning the process of putting this all behind me. Thank you and I apologise to my family, to the young men, young women that I mentor. I hope that I can keep at least one, if not a million or more, from going down a similar path. I just want to say thank you.”
